By Default

As we rode through a fog, my father and I,
the car we were in, seemed to know its way home
Hands on the wheel, without eyes on the road

We were numb from the cold.  No words left to say ....

We had prayed through the night in a hospital haze,
clinging to a hope, that had slipped far away
     Until the end of the world came upon the new day

Arriving home in the car, unable to talk,
our hopes and our tears had nowhere to land. 
If just one would escape, where would it go?   
No shoulder, ...no dam.  How would they stop?...
 
My Dad was in shock, as he stood  by the gate, 
         a glaze in his eyes, ......and a million years old

My feet froze in place, and knees shivered cold
but as the sun rose, I reached out to hold 
his hand in the dawn, and took the control

I took him inside, and with deliberate intrusion
I fed him some soup, and put him to bed
He was the child, and I the adult
Day after day, somehow by default
our roles were reversed, ...and I became strong
My childhood had ended,.....and his had begun

_______________________________________________________
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Krampe Avatar
April 24, 2018 at 7:29 AM
That's a strong and touching poem, Carrie. Congrats on your win.
Gentry Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 2:00 PM
Congratulations on your win with this poem. So tender and sad. I don't have words.
Gauthier Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 10:34 AM
Wow. A FAVE for me. I love how you delivered this beauty, Carrie. Congrats on your most deserved win.
Haight Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 10:28 AM
Oh, Carrie, the pain in your exquisitely-written poem mirrors my own. I was 32 when my Mom passed away too soon at age 55, and I had to take my Dad under my wings too. Your poem is a Fave for me, and I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved Podium win. Hugs, Sandra
Mandani Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 10:01 AM
Very nice. Heart-rending. I like it. Many congrats.
Ligon Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 9:27 AM
It must be hard for a child to become caretaker of their parent. You captured the emotions.
Vinson Avatar
December 9, 2016 at 1:36 PM
One powerful poem, Carrie. Cheers, Doug.
Martin Avatar
December 9, 2016 at 12:52 PM
Excellent! Congrats Carrie! :-)
Sands Avatar
December 9, 2016 at 12:35 PM
Very powerful Carrie. Congratulations!
George   Avatar
November 21, 2016 at 9:40 PM
I agree with Frank, Carrie....you were born to write. Elaine
A  Avatar
April 30, 2015 at 7:51 PM
WONDERFUL WIN...SKAT
Allison Avatar
April 29, 2015 at 5:48 AM
Dropping back with my congrats:-) Hugs Jan xx
A   Avatar
April 28, 2015 at 2:53 PM
Amazing win Carrie... LINDA
Gibson Avatar
April 28, 2015 at 2:39 PM
I loved your poem, Carrie...but, then, I always love your poems. The second stanza is outstanding. Congratulations!
Carmack Avatar
April 28, 2015 at 1:50 PM
Glad to see another of my favorite writers on the list. Potent poem Carrie. Congrats.
Lindley Avatar
April 24, 2015 at 8:52 AM
One of the best poems I've read in my long life. My father died from cancer when I was only 15 and I often dream of my father living long enough for me to care for him as he did me! A7, deserves a super 10 IMHO.. Bravo!!!!!!! Adding to my fav list .... thanks..
Hamilton Avatar
April 24, 2015 at 6:23 AM
very powerful poem Carrie so descriptive love it gl in contest hugs
Grahamburglar Avatar
April 23, 2015 at 8:10 PM
All I can say to this is, wow! This is a winner whatever the outcome of the contest may be.
Dietrich Avatar
April 23, 2015 at 7:47 PM
This is superb. Should be a top winner, Carrie.
Ackerson Avatar
April 23, 2015 at 6:29 PM
Fear, love, realization and acceptance. Thank you, Carrie.
Allison Avatar
April 23, 2015 at 5:41 PM
oh Carrie this made me sad - such a poignant moment:-( Hugs Jan xx good luck in the contest 7 xx
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